Stackable Layers: An Architecture for File System Development
John Heidemann · 1991
This thesis proposes the stackable layers method of file system design. This approach constructs file systems from a number of independently developed layers. Each layer is bounded by a symmetric interface, syntactically identical above and below. Layers combine in stacks, linear or tree-shaped collections, each layer building on the functionality of those beneath it. Stackable filing improves file system development in several ways. Stacking encourages code re-use by building upon already existing layers. Incremental improvement is possible by substitution of existing layers. The layer interface is extensible, allowing new operations to be easily added by third-parties. Each operation is carefully described, permitting existin...